UK University News
News from all over the UK
2nd Languages Festival
21 February 2012 03:00
University of Leeds Language Centre and Languages at LeedsMet University have joined forces again to organise the 2nd Languages Festival, as part of the national 'Speak to the Future' campaign.
Bristol PLuS Award Employability Skills Day
3 February 2012 08:26
The University will be holding its first Employability Skills Day for students on 16 February 2012.
University high-speed rail expert takes part in Parliamentary seminar
3 February 2012 07:53
The University's Professor Roger Vickerman this week added his expertise on high-speed rail to a panel of academics taking...
Quantum biology and Ockham’s razor
3 February 2012 05:10
In a paper just published in Nature Chemistry, a team of University of Bristol scientists explores whether new models or concepts are needed to tackle one of the ‘grand challenges’ of chemical biology: understanding enzyme catalysis.
Education Fuels Graduate's Search For Natural Resources
3 February 2012 03:19
A University of Derby graduate who is carving out a successful career in geology was invited to speak to a group of UK students about his ...
BBC Chinese broadcast from Leeds explores the city’s Olympic connection
3 February 2012 02:43
With Leeds preparing to host the Chinese Olympic team as its training camp for the London Olympics, BBC Chinese will broadcast from the University of Leeds Refectory at 14.00 GMT on Sunday 5 February.
Nurseries And University Join Forces To Improve Profession
3 February 2012 02:25
Nursery schools from across the city have teamed up with the University of Derby to launch a network for people working with infants and young ...
Start making sense: Lecture on how we learn a language
3 February 2012 02:24
How people learning a language make sense of the words they hear or read is the theme of a lecture at the University of Greenwich on Wednesday 7 March.
Canopy commerce: forest conservation and poverty alleviation
3 February 2012 02:00
Innovative approaches for protecting the future of Sierra Leone’s Gola Forest – globally important for its biodiversity and its carbon reserves – are being developed by a collaboration of conservation agencies and University of Cambridge researchers.
Open championship will bring £85m to local economy
3 February 2012 02:00
A Sheffield Hallam University study into this year's Open Golf Championship shows the event will deliver a total economic benefit of more than £85m to the regional economy of the North West....
Graphene electronics moves into a third dimension
3 February 2012 01:37
Wonder material graphene has been touted as the next silicon, with one major problem – it is too conductive to be used in computer chips. Now scientists from The University of Manchester have given its prospects a new lifeline.
Find out how Southampton is changing the world
2 February 2012 23:00
All next week (6-10 February), the University of Southampton is showcasing how its research is helping to solve some of today’s big global issues such as climate change, energy, the ageing population, high-tech crime and lifestyle diseases.
Southampton research shows early bone growth linked to bone density in later life
2 February 2012 23:00
Researchers from the University of Southampton, in collaboration with a research group in Delhi, India, have shown that growth in early childhood can affect bone density in adult life, which could lead to an increased risk of developing bone diseases like Osteoporosis.
Applications to the University of Glasgow rise by 11%
2 February 2012 21:01
Figures just released by UCAS show that applications received for undergraduate courses to the University of Glasgow rose by 11% this year
International Recognition For University Of Derby Hospitality Graduates
2 February 2012 18:21
The University of Derby continues to build its international reputation following the graduation of its hospitality, events and tourism students ...
£4.5M biomedical research boost
2 February 2012 17:00
University research secures new Wellcome Trust and NISCHR funding
Innovative composer appeals for iPad and iPhone owners to join him in music collaboration
2 February 2012 17:00
Owners of Apple iPads and iPhones are invited to be part of an open 'iOrchestra' next week and perform a large-scale composition by a University composer.
The College of Arts and Humanities Celebrates Swansea Authors and Inspires Reading in Wales
2 February 2012 09:12
Swansea University has now launched its Celebrating Swansea University Authors project on YouTube.
Glimpsing the future – why do expectant parents choose 3D scans?
2 February 2012 07:52
Researchers from the University of Hull are searching throughout the UK for expectant parents undergoing 3D ultrasound scans to take part in a study into their psychological effects.
University teams up with The Observer to record data on invasive species
2 February 2012 07:52
The University of Hull has teamed up with The Observer to help record data on invasive species, so that scientists can monitor their spread and their effect on their local environment.
Gateway Games
2 February 2012 07:35
Great storytellers and London 2012 come together at the latest exhibition held at the Stephen Lawrence Gallery at the University of Greenwich.
Join The Policing and Human Rights Debate Online
2 February 2012 06:37
The Magee campus of the University of Ulster plays host on Friday to the Policing Board of Northern Ireland for the launch of the PBNIs 7th Human Rights Annual Report, which assesses how the police have met human rights responsibilities across 14 key policing areas during the last year.
Home-grown neuroscientist leads the way for national Epilepsy charity
2 February 2012 05:34
Professor Mark Rees, Chair of Neurology Research at Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science (ILS), has been selected to Chair the Scientific Advisory Committee at Epilepsy Research UK (ERUK).
Better NHS services reduce suicide rates
2 February 2012 05:18
Researchers at The University of Manchester have for the first time shown a positive link between improvements in mental health services and a reduction in suicide rates.
Marathon effort in honour of Registrar’s cancer battle
2 February 2012 04:00
The London Marathon will take on an extra-special meaning for one Bristol alumnus as he aims to complete the gruelling 26 mile course in honour of the University of Bristol’s recently retired Registrar Dr Tony Rich, who is battling the disease.
Former army head to give University lecture
2 February 2012 02:42
General Lord Dannatt, former head of the British Army, is to give the Eliot Annual Lecture at the University on Wednesday...
Leading Entrepreneur Inspires At Ulster
2 February 2012 02:16
Telecoms entrepreneur Denis O'Brien will give an inspirational talk at the University of Ulster's Belfast campus tomorrow.
Success at the double for inspirational Claire
2 February 2012 02:00
A Sheffield Hallam researcher and lecturer in occupational therapy has completed a rare double by achieving the highest honour awarded by her professional body....
Blue Moon date for architecture students
2 February 2012 02:00
Sheffield Hallam University architecture students will be displaying their work at the Blue Moon Café in Sheffield....
The shape of things to come: researchers examine the future of UK high streets
1 February 2012 23:00
Researchers at the University of Southampton have been awarded over £250,000 to evaluate alternative visions of the future of UK high streets over the next 25 years.
Global experts question claims about jellyfish populations
1 February 2012 23:00
A marine biologist from the University of Southampton has been involved in a global study, which has questioned claims that jellyfish are increasing worldwide.
University shortlisted in national work experience awards
1 February 2012 17:00
The University of Aberdeen has been announced as a finalist in the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) awards.
New Vice-Chancellor appointed
1 February 2012 17:00
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Anthony Forster, has been appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex
First international client confirmed for new marine facility at Plymouth University
1 February 2012 17:00
A British-Italian wave energy company has become the first international client to inwardly invest in Plymouth's burgeoning marine renewables sector.
Bath’s applications are on the up! Message from the Vice-Chancellor
1 February 2012 09:40
UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admission Service) show the number of UK university applicants has dropped by 8.7% compared with 2011/12. Many predicted such a fall because of the change to student tuition fees, but here at Bath I am delighted to say we have bucked that national trend.
Discovery shortlisted for prestigious youth work award
1 February 2012 09:07
Swansea University’s Discovery project, which links Wales to Zambia, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Youth Work Excellence Award.
Spitting Goddesses and Stony Snakes: The Religious Significance of Flint in Pharaonic Egypt
1 February 2012 09:00
The next in the series of free community lectures organised by the Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE) at Swansea University takes place later this month.
Mediation service provides affordable dispute resolution
1 February 2012 08:54
The University of Hull’s Law School is launching a new mediation service to the public from 1 February.
Sixth Formers' Successful Work Placement at Magee Campus
1 February 2012 07:45
Sixth formers from across Northern Ireland were given valuable hands-on experience of the computer industry, thanks to the success of an innovative approach to work placement by the University of Ulster and School Employer Connections.
Studying and Sport a Winning Combination at Ulster
1 February 2012 07:08
Studying and sport proved to be a winning combination for a group of teenagers who completed Personal and Professional Development Modules as part of the University of Ulster’s widening access strategy.
Success was plain sailing for International Maritime Law student
1 February 2012 05:14
Madrid-born Jaime Albors Cano has received his LLM International Maritime Law award from Swansea University, at the city’s Brangwyn Hall.
Biodiversity conservation for life
1 February 2012 05:00
This month, the University of Cambridge will be profiling research that addresses biodiversity conservation. To begin, Dr Mike Rands, Executive Director of Cambridge Conservation Initiative, explains how a partnership of researchers, world-leading conservation practitioners and policy experts has a crucial role to play in this 21st-century challenge.
Major new donations boost University print collection
1 February 2012 04:23
The University's art print collection has received two major new donations from artists with international reputations. Both...
Tool is new weapon in fight against climate change
1 February 2012 03:49
A new service, developed by experts at The University of Manchester and The Mersey Forest, will provide vital information to help urban neighbourhoods avoid the potentially dangerous effects of climate change.
New survey to gauge over 55s' attitudes to the environment
1 February 2012 03:40
An international survey of the attitudes of the over 55s to the environment is being launched by a consortium of older people’s organisations, led by the University of York’s Stockholm Environment Institute and Simon Fraser University’s Gerontology Research Centre (Canada).
Tower tours’ tally tops £7,500 for local charity
1 February 2012 03:30
Tours of one of Bristol’s tallest and most iconic buildings have raised an impressive £7,500 for a city charity. Keen visitors and locals alike have been making donations in return for guided tours of Wills Memorial Building, the symbolic centrepiece of Bristol University, for the past 12 years.
University of Greenwich students set to keep the Games moving
1 February 2012 02:53
Three hundred University of Greenwich students are to receive specialist training for jobs at the London Olympic Games.
Glamorgan hosts third Wales China event
1 February 2012 02:41
The University of Glamorgan hosts the third annual Wales China Creative Industries Forum at its ATRiuM campus in Cardiff today, 1st February.
The forum is being held to compliment the launch of the 2012 EU-China Year on Intercultural Dialogue in Brussels which is also happening today.
The event will discuss the growing Creative and Cultural sectors in China, covering topics such as intellectual property, digital publishing, and the arts. It also aims to explore the potential for collaborative projects in knowledge exchange and research between China, Wales and the UK.
Guest speakers include Dr Hardy Yong Xiang, Associate Professor School of Arts (SAPKU), Vice Dean of Institute for Cultural Industries (ICIPKU) Peking University, Dr Lucy Montgomery, Research Fellow, at the ARC Centre of excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation, Queensland University, Pat Wood, Director Corporate and Community Synergy, London Metropolitan University and Dr Richard Evans of Cardiff Confucius Institute.
The event has been organised by Cardiff University’s Confucius Institute and the University of Glamorgan’s Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries with support from Cardiff Council, the Welsh Government and International Business Wales.
“We’re very pleased to be hosting this event for the third time,” said Professor Peter Robertson, Dean of the Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries. “With speakers from as far afield as Peking University, Queensland University of Technology, and London Metropolitan University, the Wales China Creative Industries Forum provides a valuable platform for cultural and economic exchange, and we’re very proud to be a part of that.”
Iron Gym project to link Medway heritage sites in new community exercise trail
1 February 2012 02:33
Launch of project to link Medway heritage sites in exercise trail involving University students An exciting project to create...
Why the brain is more reluctant to function as we age
1 February 2012 02:00
New findings, led by neuroscientists at the University of Bristol and published this week in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, reveal a novel mechanism through which the brain may become more reluctant to function as we grow older.
Switching to frozen food can save £7.80 per weekly shop
1 February 2012 02:00
New research compiled by Sheffield Hallam University shows that switching to frozen food can save shoppers a huge 34 per cent on weekly grocery shopping. ...
Spilsbury spills the beans on illustrious career
1 February 2012 02:00
An artist famous for his subversive newspaper illustrations will take part in a new programme of lectures given by graphic design professionals....
Business savvy students can taco tips from Chris
1 February 2012 02:00
The winner of Sheffield Hallam's Enterprise Challenge has become hot property with his Let's Go Mexicana business - and he was on hand to launch this year's competition....
Men's rugby team triumph over Loughborough with dramatic extra-time try
31 January 2012 17:00
The University of Aberdeen Men's Rugby 1st XV remain on course for Twickenham after a dramatic extra time win over Loughborough University.
World class executive education comes to Aberdeen
31 January 2012 17:00
The University of Aberdeen has joined forces with one of the world's leading business schools to create a unique network which will deliver leadership development to those at the top of their organisations in Scotland.
University sailor to train with Olympic squad
31 January 2012 17:00
A Plymouth University student is riding on the crest of a wave after being selected to train with some of the nation's golden generation of sailors.
African theologian to give University Sermon
31 January 2012 09:45
Professor Musa W Dube of the University of Botswana will preach a University Sermon in Great St Mary's, the University Church, on Sunday 5 February at 11.15 a.m.
Explorer David Hempleman-Adams talks about his record breaking adventures.
31 January 2012 09:35
World famous explorer David Hempleman-Adams will be speaking of his many adventures that made him a ‘Grand Slam’ record breaker as he returns to the University to give a free public lecture on 8 February.
University appoints new Head of Widening Participation
31 January 2012 09:35
Annette Hayton has been appointed as the University's Head of Widening Participation. Currently working as Head of Widening Participation at Goldsmiths University, she will take up her new position tomorrow, Wednesday 1 February. In this newly created post, Annette will play a central co-ordinating role for all the University’s widening participation and access activities.
Global outlook essential say British Council reports
31 January 2012 09:31
Two British Council reports have confirmed the importance of Aston University's mission to prepare its students to become global citizens.
MASH awarded HE STEM funding to enhance maths support
31 January 2012 09:22
Dr Jane White, Director of MASH, the University’s Maths Resources Centre has been successful in obtaining £10k funding from the National Higher Education Science, Engineering, Technology & Maths (STEM) Programme in order to enhance maths support provision at the University, with a particular focus on students with vocational backgrounds.
Final response to UCAS admissions process consultation
31 January 2012 09:08
The final version of the University's response to the UCAS admissions process consultation is now available.
Free beginner’s guide to the media for scientists and engineers
31 January 2012 08:57
The Science Media Centre is holding a free 'Introduction to the Media' event for scientists and engineers event on Thursday 22 March at the Veysey Building, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Exeter from 1.30pm to 6pm with drinks afterwards. To register for this event, please contact the Science Media Centre.
£6m NIACE Research Centre Opens
31 January 2012 08:06
Secretary of State Vince Cable and DETI Minister Arlene Foster have officially opened a £6m composites research centre for Northern Ireland which links the University of Ulster, Bombardier and QUB.
How Sherlock faked his own death: University criminologist solves puzzle
31 January 2012 07:53
Sherlock Holmes fan and University of Greenwich criminology lecturer Dr Michael Fiddler has come up with a clue which helps solve the puzzle about how the famous detective faked his own death at the end of the BBC series Sherlock.
Dickens experts gather in Medway to celebrate bicentennial
31 January 2012 07:52
University Dickens experts take part in travelling conference to celebrate birth of the great author Dickens experts from...
More cutbacks mean more riots
31 January 2012 07:50
New research by Professor Peter Taylor-Gooby at the University's School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Research has...
University of Ulster Researcher Reaches World Finals
31 January 2012 07:49
For the third consecutive year, a University of Ulster researcher has won the All Ireland final of the prestigious Institute of Materials World Lecture competition. Twenty six years old Cormac Flynn, who is a third year PhD student in the School of Engineering at Ulster’s Jordanstown campus, will now represent Ireland in the World Finals of the competition later this year.
A new route to biodiversity
31 January 2012 07:34
The University has published its first Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), setting out how we can increase the variety of flora and fauna on campus.
Glamorgan graduate competes in Sri Lanka TV competition
31 January 2012 07:05
A University of Glamorgan design graduate can currently be seen competing on a major reality show on Sri Lankan television.
Luke Gillard, 23 from Bridgend secured a place amongst the UK contestants for Ideators, a Sri Lankan television show in the mould of The Apprentice shortly after graduating in 2011. He spent six weeks filming the show and experiencing life in Sri Lanka.
“I really enjoyed the competition and am so grateful to have taken part,” said Luke, who graduated with a first class degree in Interior Design at the university’s Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries. “It was amazing working with people from such different backgrounds and having a go at such a range of different projects. Each task really challenged our skills and gave us the chance to expose our creativity to a range of huge, important brands, both Sri Lankan and global.”
Ideators is now in its third series, and was created by the British Council to recognise young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and the UK by placing them in real-life business situations.
The show is currently being broadcast on Sri Lanka’s ITN channel, and enjoys an audience of over 16 million viewers. UK viewers can subscribe to watch the show on the Ideators YouTube Channel and find out more at the show’s Facebook page.
This series centres of Ideators centres on design, with the two teams of young entrepreneurs tackling challenges in a multitude of disciplines. “We were given tasks in almost every area of design you could imagine” explained Luke. “From interior and experiential design, to fashion and graphic design, through to furniture and product design – and all to impossibly tight deadlines; something that I hope comes across in the show!”
One or more team members are eliminated at the end of each of the twelve episodes, with the final competitor awarded the Ideators trophy and an internship at a leading company in the alternate country.
“It was also loads of fun putting my hand to designing things outside of my usual discipline and way out of my comfort zone” said Luke. “I have come out of the process feeling like I am now capable of having a go at anything, and would probably class myself as a multi-disciplinary designer rather than purely an interior designer.”
As well as taking part in the competition, Luke also found time to see more of the country. “I love Sri Lanka as a country and will definitely be returning at some point” said Luke. “Some of my personal highlights include visiting Sigiriya (the unofficial 8th wonder of the world), bottle feeding a baby orphaned elephant, and visiting a village doctor three days into my stay after a savage leech attack. All pretty surreal experiences, though admittedly for different reasons! Living in the Hilton for six weeks wasn’t too bad either!”
“Luke is a very talented young designer and we’re very proud of him for representing both the university and his country in the competition” said Gill Sandford, Deputy Dean of Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries. “The fact that Luke has been able to compete across such a wide range of disciplines demonstrates that our design graduates are highly skilled and extremely versatile. I’m sure that Luke’s experience in Sri Lanka will open up all sorts of opportunities for him in the world of design, and we wish him the very best of luck for the future.”
Sky News correspondent Alex Crawford to deliver Bob Friend Memorial Lecture
31 January 2012 06:55
Sky News special correspondent Alex Crawford will deliver the annual Bob Friend Memorial Lecture at the University on 21...
Neanderthals and their contemporaries engineered stone tools
31 January 2012 06:55
New published research from anthropologists at the University of Kent has scientifically supported for the first time the...
Political cartoons in the spotlight at open lecture
31 January 2012 06:53
Geographer Dr Daniel Hammett, will give an open lecture at the University of Kent on Wednesday 1 February at 6pm. The lecture,...
University brings public and private health care providers together
31 January 2012 06:49
Public and private providers of health care gathered at the University last week to discuss better ways of working together. A...
Drugs expert to discuss the politics of UK drugs policy
31 January 2012 06:48
Drugs expert Professor David Nutt will give a public lecture at the University on Wednesday 25 January. Titled Science and...
Public sector equality duty – equality monitoring data
31 January 2012 06:42
As part of its response to the public sector equality duty the University has published equality monitoring data about its students and staff.
Watch Prof Janet Beer's Channel 4 interview on admissions
31 January 2012 06:32
Oxford Brookes' Vice-Chancellor Professor Janet Beer was interviewed by Channel 4 News last night (Wed 30 Jan, 2012) to discuss university admissions.
Low-probability high-impact events in the UK
31 January 2012 06:30
Professor Peter Taylor-Gooby from the University is among those who have contributed to a government review of 'low-probability...
Ex-Pfizer scientists launch biotech start-up at the University of Kent
31 January 2012 06:29
David Brown, formerly Director of Structural Biology and Biophysics at Pfizer, has been appointed Chair of Structural Biology...
Getting ready for V&A at Dundee – events for local businesses at Abertay University
31 January 2012 05:46
Local businesses are being helped to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the forthcoming V&A at Dundee in a series of talks and practical sessions at the University of Abertay Dundee.
Web experts to discuss social media for business at Glamorgan conference
31 January 2012 05:14
The University of Glamorgan will host a conference on social media for businesses next month. What’s Next? The Social Media Event takes place at the ATRiuM campus, in Cardiff, on Monday 6 February. The event will discuss the future of social media and the ways that small and medium-sized enterprises can make the most of its business potential.
Speakers include digital marketing and social media experts Thomas and Penny Power – founders of business networking site Ecademy, Matt Hodkinson – Social Media Consultant to BBC TV and radio and Mark Sinclair – YouTube partner and co-founder of yourBusinessChannel.
The agenda for What’s Next? includes seminars on the use of sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+, the legal issues surrounding social media, mobile applications and search engine optimisation.
The key message, according to event organiser Allan Blair-Beaton, is that investing time and effort in social media can reap significant rewards for small businesses.
“In recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of social and digital services, tools, and applications – and a wealth of advice, some good, some not, on how to make best use” said Allan, who will running a seminar at the event on the use of Twitter. “We want to show the extent of the opportunity for anyone who wants to wade in. You don’t have to be a household brand with a huge budget and global community – the social web levels the playing field by changing the budget from money to effort.
The What’s Next? event comes as the University’s Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries prepares to launch a new Foundation Degree in Social Media. The course is targeted at businesses and professionals, and begins in March 2012.
The Foundation Degree in Social Media aims to develop understanding of social media and its business applications. More information is available online: http://cci.glam.ac.uk/socialmedia/foundation/.
Professor Peter Robertson, Dean of Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries, said: “This is the first University course in the UK dedicated to the emerging social media sector, an area in which advertising revenue was projected to grow to $3.3 billion in 2011. This part-time course, funded under the HEFCW One Wales initiative, will provide the cultural competencies and social skills necessary to participate in collaborative media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.”
To register for the What’s Next? event visit: http://whatsnextevent.co.uk/blog/register/
In Conversation with David Miliband
31 January 2012 05:02
The Rt Hon David Miliband will be visiting Swansea University on Tuesday 7 February for a question and answer session that is open to staff and students at Swansea and Swansea Metropolitan Universities.
Popular lecture series kicks off with an insight into the aging process
31 January 2012 04:50
An award-winning initiative to bring thought-provoking lunchtime lectures to the wider community is back for a second series, aiming to showcase the University of Bristol’s most inspirational lecturers. The first of five 50 minute talks will take place in the Victoria Rooms on Thursday [2 February] when Professor Andy Levy looks at the quest to stay younger for longer and examines whether the philosopher’s stone could one day become a reality.
Defining ‘Dignity’ for Older People in Wales
31 January 2012 04:48
A report on the findings of a study on what dignity means to older minority ethnic people in Wales has been launched to mark this year’s Dignity in Action Day, 1st February.
Over the decades research in the area of dignity and age has grown in both the UK and internationally.
Although the body of research evidence has helped significantly to refine the concept of dignity and to broaden our understanding of older people’s experience and expectations of care, few studies have sought to examine the concept of dignity and perceptions of dignified care as linked to social identity and racialisation, and to develop an understanding of the possible impact this has on enhancing or damaging a care encounter.
A report on the study, ‘In their own words’: Voices of African-Caribbean and Black Welsh men and women fifty years and older, led by University of Glamorgan academic Dr Roiyah Saltus seeks to address this gap in Wales.
Dr Saltus said, “This exploratory study is significant in that is seeks to address a present gap in the research evidence base. We hope that this study is of interest to anyone with a concern about older people’s care and with services, organisations and agencies who are seeking to shape positively the expectations older people have on the care and support options they have at their disposal. Further research on the concept and lived experiences of dignified care encounters that explore further the concepts of personal and social identities is needed. With this should come studies that explore the personal identities of older people as linked to other social markers such gender, ethnicity, migration histories, and as shaped by the accumulated impact of structural inequalities.”
Led by Dr Saltus who is a Principal Research Fellow based at the University of Glamorgan, the aim of the qualitative, exploratory study was to capture how dignity is understood, and how dignified care is viewed, with a focus on support or care expectations, preferences and experiences.
Interviews were conducted with 21 first and second generation Black Caribbean/ West Indian older people, and older men and women living in Wales who self-identify as being 3rd or 4th generation Black Welsh (that is of mixed ethnic groups, with ancestral links to Africa and the Caribbean).
The study revealed that, as aspects of their personal identity, social markers such as ethnicity and cultural identity shaped their understanding of what dignity means and also had an impact on how they felt they would be treated in care encounters. A key message is that attention to these elements is important, as is the need to develop an understanding of the possible impact such factors may have on enhancing or damaging a care encounter. The anxiety around external sources of support and care was voiced, by some, in terms linked to their personal identity, and not being treated with care and with dignity because of their ethnic or cultural background.
Care or support workers who assume that they know what an older person needs, who seek to provide care or support based on their presumptions of a older person’s cultural-specific needs, or who do not have the skills needed to work across ethnic groups, delivering person-centred care are other key concerns raised by the participants.
Martyn Jones from Age Cymru said, “Age Cymru is grateful to Dr. Saltus and the Wales Ethnicity Research Collaboration (WERC) at the University of Glamorgan for offering the opportunity for our Older Minority Ethnic Network (OMEN) to participate in this research. OMEN exists to provide a voice to the often marginalised minority ethnic section of the older population in Wales and to ensure that Age Cymru develops robust policy positions based on evidence obtained from the widest possible cross section of society. We feel that this groundbreaking research will do much to extend knowledge and understanding in this area and to influence the development of policy and implementation of services for older minority ethnic people across Wales.”
Notes to editors:
Further findings were:
• The almost unanimous view that mutual respect and reciprocity is vital to the fostering of dignity and the acknowledging of a person’s self worth. “You treat the person as you would like to be treated.” (002: African-Caribbean woman, aged 73) The key messages repeated most often by the participants were: the universal right to be respected, the significance of one’s self-worth, the links between self-respect and dignity in social encounters, and the impact of the social positioning of older age and societal discrimination.
• The study revealed that older people have strong views on what constituted care. Key responses to the question ‘what type of care would you like to expect to receive’ that were revealed were: basic personal care; acknowledgement of human dignity; acknowledged as an individual; acknowledgment of and attention to social markers linked to the personal and social identities of older people, as articulated by the person; care that prolonged autonomy and independence; care delivered by people who were not only aware of individual preferences and cultural differences (or similarities as the case may be), but who were responsive and made appropriate adjustments. These were considered key enhancers and indicators of dignified care.
The study was funded by the Welsh Government’s New Ideas Social Fund and is part of a series of studies being conducted under the auspices of the Wales Ethnicity Research Collaboration (WERC – www.werc.org.uk), an all-Wales research group with partners
Swansea University student joins Wales under 20’s squad
31 January 2012 04:16
Swansea University student Reuben Tucker has been selected for the Wales rugby under 20’s squad.
Public Health Agency Welcomes University of Ulster Research Study
31 January 2012 03:40
A survey conducted by the University of Ulster has listed research needs that would enable Allied Health Professionals (AHP) such as physiotherapists, occupational and speech and language therapists to improve the experience of people they care for.
Energy scheme delivering low carbon success
31 January 2012 03:31
An energy scheme involving Aston University has scooped two prestigious awards.
Next chapter for the Life Sciences building project
31 January 2012 03:18
A major milestone has been reached in the progress of a new £54million state-of-the-art building at the heart of the University of Bristol’s precinct. The contract for the main construction work has been signed with VINCI Construction UK, which will act as the University’s main contractor for the new Life Sciences facility, transforming the corner of St Michaels Hill and Tyndall Avenue.
String Quartet to perform in Portsmouth
31 January 2012 02:53
The second concert in the University sponsored Music in the Round series, featuring a renowned string quartet, will take place this Friday 3 February.
Engineering student produces winning short film
31 January 2012 02:49
MEng Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry student, Madeleine Jones, won first prize in a student competition to produce a short film about student life at Aston University.
Research shows we must pay now or we’ll pay more later for youth crisis
31 January 2012 02:42
A comprehensive report published today by Tomorrow’s People and the University of Bristol Centre for Market and Public Organisation shows a worrying increase in the number of young NEET (not in employment, education or training) individuals – one of the most economically vulnerable groups in society.
Students support world-renowned architect on exhibition
31 January 2012 02:00
Architecture students at Sheffield Hallam University have collaborated with a world-renowned British architect on an exhibition to be staged at an iconic building he designed....
Researchers identify key peptides that could lead to a universal vaccine for influenza and would activate alternative mechanisms of the immune system
30 January 2012 23:00
Researchers at the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreeen Virology Ltd have discovered a series of peptides, found on the internal structures of influenza viruses that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine for influenza, one that gives people immunity against all strains of the disease, including seasonal, avian, and swine flu.
€1 million awarded for research into illegal antiquities trade
30 January 2012 19:05
€1 million euros has been awarded to a University of Glasgow criminologist by the prestigious European Research Council to further his research into the illegal antiquities trade.
Brighton, second most applied to university in south-east
30 January 2012 17:00
UCAS figures reveal Brighton receives seven applications for every place.
Applicants to sample university life
30 January 2012 17:00
Anglia Ruskin University expects a bumper turnout for its undergraduate Open Day on Saturday, 11 February after receiving a record number of full-time undergraduate applications through UCAS this year (an increase of 11.
Chemistry in schools comes alive through smartphones
30 January 2012 14:15
A unique poster that brings flaming elements to life through a smartphone app has been distributed to schools across the UK and further afield as part of the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, using technology developed in the University’s Department of Engineering.
Renowned arts troupe ushers in Chinese New Year
30 January 2012 09:30
The Confucius Institute, at The University of Manchester, is playing host to a renowned arts troupe from Beijing Normal University today (Monday) to ring in the Chinese New Year of the Dragon in front of an audience of students, staff and members of the public.
Bucking the trend — Nottingham is UK's most popular university
30 January 2012 08:23
First Master of Osteopathy programme in Wales set for formal recognition
30 January 2012 06:54
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has agreed to recognise the qualification Master of Osteopathy (MOst) awarded by Swansea University, subject to final approval by the Privy Council.